On March 13, 2018 at 4:15 AM, Oregon State Troopers and emergency workers responded to a two vehicle fatal crash on SR Highway 18 near milepost 12.
The preliminary investigation indicates a grey 2015 Dodge Caravan, driven by Ulysses Reyes Semsem, age 58, from Hillsboro, and was eastbound when he failed to negotiate a rightward sweeping curve. The Dodge crossed the centerline and crashed head-on into westbound FedEx commercial motor vehicle. Semsem was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The FedEx commercial vehicle was driven by Ruby L. James, age 59, from Coos Bay, and came to rest approximately 75 feet down embankment and into creek feeding the Salmon River. The passenger of the FedEX was identified as Tony E. Kimber,age 54, from Yoncalla, Oregon. James and Kimber were transported to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital with minor injuries.
The Highway was completely closed for five hours and is currently open to one lane. A HazMat Team is working on cleaning up fuel and fluid spill from the commercial motor vehicle.
Oregon State Police was assisted by Grand Ronde Tribal Police Department, North Lincoln Fire and Rescue, Polk County Sheriff's Department, Oregon Department of Transportation, Tillamook County Medical Examiner and District Attorney's Offices.
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